Nassau: Self-Drive Speedboat Ride and Pig Swimming Encounter

REVIEW · SWIMMING PIGS TOURS

Nassau: Self-Drive Speedboat Ride and Pig Swimming Encounter

4.7 · 84 reviews 2 hours From $120 Operated by Cruising Adventures · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Pigs and speedboats in the same trip. This Nassau ride sends you across open water in a 2-person speedboat, with time at the wheel, then lands you at the famous swimming pigs beach for feeding, swimming, and snorkeling.

I love the hands-on feel of steering a small boat through the waves. You’ll also like the combo of pig time plus snorkeling equipment, so the day gives you more than one photo moment.

One consideration: this is not suitable for pregnant women or people with pre-existing medical conditions, since you’ll be on a moving speedboat and in the water.

Key Things That Make This Nassau Trip Worth Your Time

Nassau: Self-Drive Speedboat Ride and Pig Swimming Encounter - Key Things That Make This Nassau Trip Worth Your Time

  • Self-drive speedboat time so you are not just a passenger
  • Pig feeding and swimming on a well-known beach experience
  • Snorkeling gear included for exploring underwater near the island
  • Small group size (10 max) which keeps things more relaxed
  • Weather-dependent format (it’s rain or shine, but wind can change how you reach the pigs)
  • Extra beach fun with a banana boat ride included

The Hands-On Speedboat Part: What Self-Drive Really Means

Nassau: Self-Drive Speedboat Ride and Pig Swimming Encounter - The Hands-On Speedboat Part: What Self-Drive Really Means
This excursion is built around one big idea, you get to drive. Not all the time, but enough that you can feel the speed and wind, and you are not stuck watching the guide do all the work.

The boat itself is a 2-seater speedboat. In plain terms, it is small, fast, and a bit bouncy. That is also why it works so well for people who want action, but still want a guide nearby who can keep the day smooth. If you’re worried about getting the hang of it, the key is to treat the helm like a skill you learn in a short session, not a test.

Also, because this is a speedboat, you should expect water spray. Bring a waterproof bag for phones and anything you care about. One person had good results with a waterproof setup, and it makes the whole trip easier because you do not have to constantly watch your stuff.

Nassau Meeting Point Reality: Build in Time for Getting There

Nassau: Self-Drive Speedboat Ride and Pig Swimming Encounter - Nassau Meeting Point Reality: Build in Time for Getting There
The meeting point can vary depending on the option you book. That matters because Nassau can feel like a lot of walking and small wayfinding moments, especially if you are arriving by cruise ship.

One cruise-day experience described a longer walk from the port to the office, around 25 minutes. If you want to keep your stress low, plan for a quick taxi ride or give yourself extra buffer time to get checked in. The activity runs rain or shine, so you do not want to be rushing in wet sandals.

Once you are checked in, the vibe stays practical. You’ll be briefed and you’ll get paired with your boat plan. This is the part where you’ll want to ask one simple question before you go: which part of the ride is yours to drive today.

Leaving Nassau Waters: The Speedboat Ride and the Views You Actually Get

Nassau: Self-Drive Speedboat Ride and Pig Swimming Encounter - Leaving Nassau Waters: The Speedboat Ride and the Views You Actually Get
The boat takes you through the waters around Anthol Island. The ride is part of the fun, not just transportation. You’ll feel the wind quickly, and the open water gives you that Nassau seascape moment without waiting hours.

A few helpful things to know for the ride:

  • Expect spray, so keep your camera either secured or protected.
  • Plan for a few waves that make the boat feel alive.
  • Small group size helps, because you are not stuck behind a long chain of other boats.

One perk people mention is route scenery on the way out or back. Some days include passing sights around the Atlantis area, with canals and the big luxury look that Nassau is famous for. Even if your route is slightly different, you’re usually in a prime position to snap photos from the waterline.

Anthol Island and the Swimming Pigs: Feeding Time Is the Main Event

Nassau: Self-Drive Speedboat Ride and Pig Swimming Encounter - Anthol Island and the Swimming Pigs: Feeding Time Is the Main Event
When you reach the island, the whole tone shifts from speed to beach time. This is where you feed the pigs, and then you can swim with them at the famous swimming pigs beach area.

Pig beach rules in practice are simple:

  • Be ready for close contact, and keep your distance if you need a breather.
  • Hold food securely when you’re feeding.
  • Keep an eye on your footing in and out of the water.

A real heads-up from past participants: the pigs can be a little aggressive, and some can be huge. That does not mean it is scary, it just means you should approach it calmly and do not act surprised when an animal rushes up for food.

Crowds also matter. People who booked early talked about having more breathing room once they got to the beach. That matters because pig swimming is more fun when you’re not constantly getting shuffled by new arrivals. If you can choose a start time, early slots often feel closer to a private experience.

While you’re there, you might spot other wildlife too, like wild peacocks and sea turtles. Those are not guaranteed, but they show up often enough that you can treat them as a bonus, not a promise.

Other boats you can take the whole of

Snorkeling on Your Timeline: Included Gear, Clear Water Potential

Nassau: Self-Drive Speedboat Ride and Pig Swimming Encounter - Snorkeling on Your Timeline: Included Gear, Clear Water Potential
Snorkeling equipment is included. That means you do not need to rent gear on your own, and you can spend more of your time enjoying the water instead of hunting down equipment.

What you should expect is a chance to explore underwater around the island while you still have island time. Since this is an open-water island stop, conditions can affect visibility, but the consistent theme is that people find the water clear enough to enjoy.

A practical tip: if you get pig-time wet first, you may want to take a minute to rinse or shake off and then snorkel with less hassle. Keep your snorkel and mask secured so you’re not juggling gear while animals are around.

Banana Boat Ride: The Bonus Activity You Might Miss if You’re Short on Attention

Nassau: Self-Drive Speedboat Ride and Pig Swimming Encounter - Banana Boat Ride: The Bonus Activity You Might Miss if You’re Short on Attention
A banana boat ride is included as part of the day and happens in the beach area time. This is a nice add-on because it keeps the energy high after the pig feeding and before the ride back.

If you like a little controlled chaos, this is your moment. If you prefer calmer water, you can still use the banana boat ride as a “try it, decide quickly” activity, since it is included and it adds variety to the pig-focused part of the day.

Wind, Rain, and Plan B: How the Day Adapts

Nassau: Self-Drive Speedboat Ride and Pig Swimming Encounter - Wind, Rain, and Plan B: How the Day Adapts
This activity runs rain or shine, but wind can still change the approach. One past day had to switch plans because it was too windy to take the boats out to see the pigs. In that situation, the operation arranged a ferry ride for pig viewing and island time, then the self-drive speedboat riding happened back in the harbor.

That tells you something important: you’re not just locked into one rigid plan. The team adapts when conditions get rough. Still, you should mentally accept that wind can affect how much time you spend on the speedboat versus other water transport.

Price and Value in Nassau: Why $120 Can Feel Fair

Nassau: Self-Drive Speedboat Ride and Pig Swimming Encounter - Price and Value in Nassau: Why $120 Can Feel Fair
At $120 per person for a 2-hour experience, you’re paying for a lot of built-in value:

  • Speedboat ride with time at the wheel
  • Pig swimming encounter and beach access
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Banana boat ride
  • A guided small-group setup (limited to 10 participants)

This is the kind of day that often costs more when you strip out parts and book them separately. And if you’ve been quoted higher cruise-port rates, you’ll see why people describe it as strong value for the combination you get.

One more value angle: the small group. When you have a limit of 10 participants, you spend more time doing, and less time waiting. That matters a lot for pig swimming, because the experience itself is time sensitive once animals and food are in play.

Two practical cautions for value:

  1. Transportation to and from the activity is not guaranteed to be built in.
  2. Nassau taxis can be plentiful at the port, but getting back smoothly can take a little effort, especially if you miss the timing of your return meeting point.

Who Should Book This, and Who Should Skip It

Nassau: Self-Drive Speedboat Ride and Pig Swimming Encounter - Who Should Book This, and Who Should Skip It
This excursion is best for you if you want:

  • A hands-on Nassau water activity, not a bus-and-wait excursion
  • The classic swimming pigs experience with snorkeling included
  • A small group vibe where guides can actually manage the pace

It may not suit you if:

  • You are pregnant, or you have a pre-existing medical condition
  • You dislike speedboats or rougher water moments
  • You’re traveling with people who cannot handle wet, moving conditions

Families can do well here, since it is guided and participants have ranged from younger kids to teens and adults. The key is to match expectations: this is not a calm sit-and-snap photo tour. It’s active.

Also, bring basic comfort sense. Even if it’s sunny, you’re on a moving boat. Wear something you do not mind getting wet, and keep important items protected.

Should You Book This Nassau Speedboat and Pig Swimming?

I think you should book it if your priority list is simple: pigs, real water time, and a speedboat you can actually drive. The combination of self-drive fun, pig feeding on a famous beach, and included snorkeling equipment makes it feel like you’re getting several experiences stacked into a short 2-hour window.

Skip it if you are in the category it’s not suitable for, or if you want a slow, loungey day. Also consider the weather component. Even with rain-or-shine scheduling, wind can shift how you reach the pigs, so you’re paying for an outdoors, water-based plan.

If you want an easy yes, aim for a start time that gives you a calmer beach rhythm, and pack a waterproof bag. Then go with curiosity and a little respect for the pigs, because once you’re there, the day moves fast.

FAQ

How long is the Nassau speedboat and pig swimming experience?

It lasts about 2 hours.

What does the price include?

It includes the speedboat ride, pig swimming encounter, snorkeling equipment, banana boat ride, and beach area access.

Do I get to drive the speedboat?

Yes. It is a 2-person speedboat, and you can take the wheel some of the way.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included as part of the experience.

Does the activity run in bad weather?

Yes. The trip takes place rain or shine.

Is this activity suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with pre-existing medical conditions.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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